Glossary
The Sleepmatch glossary
Skip the jargon with this simple guide to common mattress phrases. From actigraphy to spinal alignment, here you can find a plain-English overview of helpful key terms. Search for a phrase you’re puzzling over or browse A-Z.
Sleepmatch glossary A to Z
A
- Actigraphy
- An actigraph is a motion-sensored device worn on the arm, regarded by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as a valid means of identifying periods of wakefulness and sleep. Actigraphs were used during the Mattress Matters Study to monitor sleep and movement.
- Air pockets
- Air pockets inside our Sleepmatch® bed inflate and deflate as you relax. Arranged in zones, these air pockets measure how your body presses into the surface, mapping your pressure points.
B
- Body measurement
- The stage of Sleepmatch® where your shape, height and weight are measured. This is done using 3D fit technology in store, or using the details you enter when you complete the online quiz.
C
- Comfort Guarantee
- When you shop with Dreams, you can enjoy peace of mind thanks to our 100 Night Comfort Guarantee. If your mattress isn’t right for you, you can exchange it for a new one between 30 and 100 nights of use.
F
- Firmness
- This simply means how hard or soft your mattress feels. The Mattress Matters Study that formed the basis of Sleepmatch® showed that there is no “best” firmness level — the right support depends on your body, which is why Sleepmatch® is essential.
L
- Latin-square design
- Used in the Mattress Matters Study, this rigorous research method rotates the order in which each participant tested each mattress, so the results aren’t skewed by order.
- Lumbar support
- This is support for your lower back, also known as the lumbar region. The right lumbar support aids spinal alignment, soothing aches and pains.
M
- Mattress Matters Study
- This landmark, peer-reviewed sleep study proved that mattress firmness has a measurable impact on sleep quality. It also showed the perfect support differs widely from person to person. Read more about the study ›
P
- Pressure analysis
- Using the air pockets within the Sleepmatch® bed, the machine uses pressure analysis to read where and how firmly your body presses into the mattress.
- Pressure points
- These are crucial areas where pressure is concentrated in your body when you lie down – it’s often around the shoulders and hips. Too much pressure causes tossing and turning while you sleep, and pain when you wake.
S
- Sleep to Live Institute
- The sleep research organisation whose science underpins Sleepmatch®, established to study the importance, impact and development of healthy sleep. Using the Mattress Matters Study, the Sleep to Live Institute develops technology to assess mattress support.
- Sleeping position
- This refers to whether you ordinarily sleep on your side, back or front. Your sleep position changes where you need support, so it’s one of the questions the online quiz asks. When trying Sleepmatch® in store, you’ll be asked to get into your usual sleep position during the assessment.
- Spinal alignment
- Keeping your spine in a neutral position while you sleep is the basis of spinal alignment. When your spine curves and your joints are out of alignment, back ache starts. Spinal alignment stops sleep disturbances through the night and minimises pain when you wake.
- Support profile
- Your personalised Sleepmatch® result, detailing the level of support that best fits your body, used to shortlist the mattresses that are right for you.
Z
- Zoned support
- Building different levels of support into different areas of a mattress, often firmer where you’re heaviest and softer where you need cushioning.
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Now put the words into practice
You know the language — now find the mattress it all points to. Take the quiz online, or get measured in store.
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